Long-running Southern dispute over DOO continues

THERE seems no end in sight for the long-running dispute on Southern over driver-only operation (DOO) after further talks with the RMT union and the conciliation service Acas broke up without agreement.

Southern Class 377 No. 377130 arrives at Lewes about with the 10.55 Eastbourne-Victoria on July 11, the first day of the emergency timetable in which 341 trains per day have been cancelled. CHRIS WILSON

Recognising passengers are frustrated by the ongoing dispute, Southern has vowed to move forward with its modernisation plans.

In a statement, Southern’s passenger services director, Angie Doll, said: “We have been talking to the union for nine months now and despite several visits to Acas, the union won’t agree a deal. We are guaranteeing jobs, pay and a second person on as many trains as we do today and also offered to work with the RMT to agree modern working practices to reduce cancellations and passenger disruption.

“But the union is rigidly refusing our offer to agree a list of exceptional circumstances when we would be able to run our trains without a second staff member on board, such as during disruption to still get people home. This would create the crucial flexibility we need to ensure fewer cancelled trains for our passengers.”

Read more in September’s issue of The RM

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